Try every combination of oysters and cocktails at this Houston hot spot

Try every combination of oysters and cocktails at Houston hot spot

A cocktail program has been designed to complement the oysters.
Photo courtesy of The Tasting Room

The Tasting Room is bringing in the oysters.
Photo courtesy of The Tasting Room

The drinks' flavors work especially well with each oyster variety.
Photo courtesy of The Tasting Room

Types of oysters from all over the world are being prepared.
Photo courtesy of The Tasting Room

Lemon is a popular ingredient in the cocktails.
Photo courtesy of The Tasting Room

It doesn't get much classier than oysters and champagne.
Photo courtesy of The Tasting Room

Masterful cocktails to go with delicious oysters.
Photo courtesy of The Tasting Room

There’s little that exemplifies summer more than the briny tang of a fresh oyster and a smooth, sophisticated cocktail. Houston’s Tasting Room knows this, which is why it chose now to introduce a program pairing oysters with classic cocktails.

Crunchy and clean Alpine Bay oysters are harvested and handpicked in Prince Edward Island, Canada. A few hours west bring about La St. Simon oysters, the brackish shellfish with a creamy aftertaste from Shippagan, New Brunswick. Canadian Malpeque oysters are quickly climbing the popularity ranks, due largely to their buttery taste and the fact that they can be found year-round.

Perhaps the most recognizable oyster, the Blue Point, is commonly found in Long Island Sound and Connecticut. Diners go wild for the crisp, firm texture and sweet aftertaste, and the Blue Point is amenable to a variety of spicy and salty toppings. Martha’s Vineyard oysters, as well, are coveted for their creamy meat and clean seaweed flavor.

You might be thinking, “What’s an oyster without lemon?” That’s where the cocktail part comes in. Several of the special sips concocted for this pairing play off the oysters, complementing the distinctive flavor while adding a little extra kick.

Fruitière Muscadet pairs well with the Asian grilled oyster, while the spectacular Spanish sparkling rosé, Raventós, makes for an excellent companion to the barbecue oysters. Sounds refreshing, no?

There’s also an extensive list of wine and spirits at The Tasting Room to satisfy any palate. So whether you wash down your Alpine Bays with cool sips of Belvedere or finish off a dozen Malpeques with a glass of Chenin Blanc, there’s something for everyone.